The Ministry of Health has expressed commitment to reducing infant deaths in the country by improving operational efficiency in health centers.

Joshua Malango, Spokesperson for the Ministry said Malawi is on the right track in reducing infant mortality rate.

“Malawi is doing well compared to many African countries despite facing many challenges,” he said.

“Human capital and other factors still remain a challenge especially in rural areas where facilities are poor,” Malango added.

He said the Ministry is doing its best to tackle these challenges.

“We have embarked on a solar power initiative in 85 health centers and others in urban areas without electricity so that health personnel can work efficiently at night,” he elaborated.

He said that the initiative will act as a motivational factor to health workers to work in rural areas.

Malango added that government will continue to employ more health workers annually to reduce the mother to health worker ratio.

“This will help mothers to get quality healthcare during child birth,” he explained.

Currently Malawi’s infant mortality rate is at 44.8 deaths per 1000 live births ranking the country at number 44 in the whole.